Golf balls at the British Open?

Question

Is the ball used at the British Open the same in size and construction as the American PGA ball?

Answer 1

Every golfer uses a different type of golf ball. Even though each ball is the same size, the inside has a different composition.

There are softer balls (more control, spins more)
and harder balls (travel further in the air, roll further on fairways)

Depending on a golfers skills they use different types of balls.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Short answer:
British Open competitors use the same ball as they do in all other tournaments worldwide.

Long answer:
I believe the questioner is referring to something that used to be called the "British ball" (R&A rules) that was slightly smaller--and longer--than the "American ball" (USGA rules). The British ball diameter was 1.62", vs. 1.68" for the American ball.

Since 1974 the British Open has mandated the larger, American ball. The golf ball was standardized worldwide in 1990, with the R&A and USGA choosing the American ball dimensions.

Prior to that, players could elect to use either type of ball in sanctioned play--except where specified by competition committees, which routinely required the American ball for many years.

British balls are still sold, usually advertised as "illegal" golf balls that go extra-long.

Answer 4

People can use any ball they want, as long as it fits the rule:

a golf ball must not weigh more than 45.93 grams (1.620 oz), that its diameter must not be less than 42.67 mm (1.680 in), and that its shape may not differ significantly from a symmetric sphere. Like golf clubs, golf balls are subject to testing and approval by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association, and those that do not conform with the regulations may not be used in competitions

I would think that the players just use whatever ball they normally use. They need to use a ball that they feel comfortable with creating spins and on the greens - especially for a course as difficult as the one for the British Open

Answer 5

Yes. Balls are regulated by the PGA. Most of the players use Titlelest balls. Althought the champion (Tiger) used Nikes.

Answer 6

All golf balls are the same size some players just use nike and some use titelest and some use others

Answer 7

certain...there became a time early on at the same time as specialist golfing paid a pittance...and countless gamers gained the open as amateurs, Bobby Jones (3), Harry Hilton (2) and John Ball (a million) yet none contained in the merely excellent seventy six years